Yes, you can replace an iPhone battery, but how depends on your model and whether you want to do it yourself
Apple will replace your iPhone battery for a flat fee at any Apple Store or authorized service provider. You can also buy a replacement battery and tools online and do it yourself, though this voids your warranty and risks damaging the phone if you make a mistake. The cost, time, and difficulty all depend on which iPhone you own — newer models are harder to open than older ones.
Most people choose the Apple route because it takes one to two hours, costs between $50 and $80 depending on your model, and comes with a may provide that the work was done correctly. Self-repair is cheaper upfront but requires patience, the right tools, and a steady hand.
Key Takeaways
- Apple replaces iPhone batteries at its stores and authorized repair shops for a fixed fee, usually $50 to $80, with a one-year warranty on the replacement.
- Self-repair kits cost $20 to $40 and include the battery and tools, but opening newer iPhones requires heating the edges and removing adhesive, which takes 30 to 60 minutes.
- iPhones with Face ID (iPhone X and newer) are significantly harder to open than older models because the screen is glued down and must be removed first.
- Replacing the battery yourself voids Apple's warranty and any AppleCare coverage you may have, even if the repair itself goes smoothly.
- If you damage the screen, logic board, or other parts during self-repair, you will pay full replacement cost — often $200 to $400 — rather than the $50 battery fee.
What Apple charges for battery replacement
Apple's battery replacement service costs $69 for most current iPhones, though the exact price varies slightly by model. If your phone is still under the one-year limited warranty that comes with every new iPhone, or if you have AppleCare+, the replacement is free. You can check your warranty status on Apple's website by entering your serial number.
The service usually takes one to two hours at an Apple Store, though you can also mail your phone to Apple or visit an authorized third-party repair shop. Apple guarantees the replacement battery for one year from the date of service. If the battery fails during that year, they will replace it again at no charge.
How to replace an iPhone battery yourself
Self-repair kits are sold on Amazon, eBay, and specialty retailers like iFixit. A typical kit includes the replacement battery, a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed tool Apple uses), a plastic pry tool, tweezers, and adhesive strips to reseal the phone. Kits cost $20 to $40 depending on the seller and iPhone model.
The process differs by model. For iPhones 6 through 8, you remove two screws at the bottom, use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm the edges, pry the screen up with a plastic tool, disconnect the battery connector, remove the old battery, and glue the new one in place. This takes 30 to 45 minutes if you work slowly. For iPhones X and newer, the process is longer because you must also remove the screen and disconnect additional cables — expect 60 to 90 minutes.
The biggest risk is cracking the screen while prying it open or damaging the battery connector cable, which is fragile. If either happens, you are looking at a $200 to $400 repair bill to fix the damage, which defeats the purpose of saving money on the battery.
Difficulty by iPhone model
| iPhone Model | Difficulty | Time Required | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6, 6S, 7, 8 | Moderate | 30–45 minutes | Screen is glued but not heavily; battery connector is accessible once screen is open. |
| iPhone X, XS, XR, 11 | Hard | 60–90 minutes | Screen must be fully removed; multiple cables and brackets must be disconnected; battery is glued under the screen. |
| iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15 | Hard | 60–90 minutes | Same as X series; newer models have stronger adhesive and more tightly packed components. |
| iPhone SE (all generations) | Moderate | 30–45 minutes | Smaller phone with simpler internal layout; similar process to iPhone 6–8. |
What voids your warranty when you replace the battery yourself
Opening your iPhone yourself voids Apple's limited warranty on the entire phone, not just the battery. This means if something else breaks — the screen, the charging port, the camera — Apple will not repair it under warranty, even if the damage is unrelated to the battery replacement. You will pay full price for any repair.
If you have AppleCare+, self-repair also voids that coverage. AppleCare+ normally covers accidental damage and hardware failures for two years; once you open the phone, neither Apple nor the AppleCare plan will cover repairs. The only exception is if you use Apple's official Self Service Repair program, which is available for some models and includes genuine parts and a warranty on the work.
Apple's Self Service Repair program
Apple launched a Self Service Repair program in 2022 that lets you order genuine Apple parts and a repair manual for certain models. Currently, the program covers battery replacement for iPhone 12 and newer, as well as screen and camera repairs. You order the parts online, follow Apple's official guide, and return the old battery to Apple for recycling.
The battery itself costs $69 to $79 — the same as Apple's in-store service — plus a $49 rental fee for the specialized tools you need to open the phone. This means self-service repair through Apple costs roughly $120 to $130 total, which is more expensive than a third-party kit but includes genuine parts and does not void your warranty. If you damage the phone during the repair, you are responsible for the cost of fixing it.
When to choose Apple service over self-repair
Choose Apple service if you are uncomfortable opening electronics, if your phone is still under warranty or AppleCare+, or if you cannot afford the risk of damaging something else. The $69 fee is worth the peace of mind and the may provide that the work was done correctly. You also get your phone back the same day in most cases.
Self-repair makes sense only if you have opened phones before, you are confident in your ability to follow detailed instructions, and you are willing to accept the risk that something could go wrong. Even then, using Apple's Self Service Repair program is safer than buying a third-party kit, because you get genuine parts and an official manual.
Signs your iPhone battery needs replacement
Your battery is degrading if your phone shuts down at 20 percent charge, drains noticeably faster than it used to, or gets hot during normal use. You can check the battery's health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If the maximum capacity is below 80 percent, the battery is wearing out. Below 50 percent, replacement is urgent because the phone may shut down unexpectedly.
Apple's warranty covers battery replacement if the capacity drops below 80 percent within the first year. After that, the $69 fee applies. If your phone is more than three years old, the battery has almost certainly degraded — lithium batteries lose capacity over time regardless of how you use them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an iPhone battery last before it needs replacement?
Most iPhone batteries retain 80 percent of their capacity after 500 full charge cycles, which is roughly two years of normal use. After three years, most batteries are noticeably slower. Apple designs iPhones to last at least five years, but the battery usually needs replacement around year two or three.
Can I replace just the battery without opening the phone?
No. The battery is glued inside the phone and cannot be removed without opening the case. There is no external battery compartment on any modern iPhone. You must either take it to Apple or open it yourself.
What happens if I damage the screen while replacing the battery?
You will need to pay for screen repair separately, which costs $200 to $400 depending on the model. This is why many people choose Apple's $69 service instead — the risk of a much larger bill is not worth saving $30 to $40.
Does Apple use refurbished batteries or new ones?
Apple uses new batteries for all in-store replacements. The old battery is recycled through Apple's program. You do not get a choice between new and refurbished.
Can I replace the battery if my phone is water damaged?
Apple will assess the damage first. If the phone is severely water damaged, the battery replacement may not be possible until other components are repaired. Contact Apple directly or visit a store to have them inspect it before you decide on a repair route.